Shaving tray

ABSTRACT

The Shaving Tray sheet of material that folds for storage and portability (FIGS.  1 - 3 ). The Shaving Tray covers a sink preventing debris from entering into the sink while using an electric razor, beard trimmer, or clipper. Debris collecting on the Shaving Tray is swept into a trash receptacle or dust pan. After the Shaving Tray is used it can be folded for ease of storage and travel.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH

Not Applicable

SEQUENCE LISTING OR PROGRAM

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

1. Field of Invention

This invention relates to waste collection and disposal.

2. Description of Prior Art

A sink cover specifically manufactured to collect and dispose of hair clippings and other falling debris resulting from the use of electric razors and beard trimmers has not been conceived. The current methods used for cleaning fallen hair clippings from a sink include using a wet sponge, using wet paper, or using running water to wash hair clippings into the sink drain. These methods are either time consuming or could potentially clog plumbing if repeatedly done. Additional methods of preventing hair clippings from entering a sink while shaving include the use of electric razors and beard trimmers that capture the hair. The use of these hair collecting razors and beard trimmers are subject to consumer preference. Electric razors of this type may not collect all of the cut hair and don't always provide a close, comfortable shave.

The closest relevant prior-art that I have found include U.S. patent D456,497. This document discloses an ornamental design for a medical wash basin with sliding cover. U.S. patent D44,875 discloses an ornamental design for a combination sink cover and cutting boards to be used over a kitchen sink. U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,855 discloses a double sink cover for the purpose of increasing available counter space and providing a means for thawing frozen food via removable microwaveable gel packs. U.S. Pat. No. 4,305,166 discloses a reversible sink cover adapted to fit onto the well of a kitchen sink to cover the sink when not in use. The underside of the cover is provided with a suitable kitchen tool, such as a dish drying rack or cutting board. U.S. Pat. No. 3,988,784 discloses a sink cover that is to provide a protective cover and drain seal for a sink to protect the sink during shipping and installation. However, no sink cover has been specifically manufactured to solve the problem of preventing falling debris resulting from shaving with an electric razor from entering a bathroom sink.

I have submitted U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/464,274 on Jun. 18, 2003. However, what is claimed in that application are two separate parts that form one assembly. One part is called a Shaving Board and the other a Shaving Pan. The Shaving Board and Pan when together cover a sink to prevent falling debris from entering. Once the debris falls on the Shaving Tray assembly the debris is swept from the Board into the removable Pan. The Pan is removed and the debris dumped into a trash container.

OBJECTS AND ADVANTAGES

Accordingly, several objects and advantages of my invention are:

-   -   The Shaving Tray covers a sink preventing hair clippings from         entering the sink while shaving with an electric razor or beard         trimmer.     -   The user can sweep the hair clippings that fall on the Shaving         Tray or on the surrounding counter top into a container or tray         so they can be easily discarded into a trash container.     -   The Shaving Tray reduces the time it takes to clean-up after         shaving with an electric razor. All the shavings either fall on         the tray or on the surrounding counter top and are swept into         the removable Shaving Tray Pan to be discarded.         -   The Shaving Tray is easy to store either on a counter top or             in a cabinet.         -   The Shaving Tray would end the need for using paper towels             or sponges to clean a sink after shaving with an electric             razor. The disadvantages of using paper towels and sponges             are as follows:             -   1) The continued use of paper towels to clean the sink                 after shaving with an electric razor is costly.             -   2) Sponges require rinsing with water to be cleaned. The                 continued practice of rinsing hair clippings into the                 sink while cleaning a sponge may eventually clog the                 drain.             -   3) For sanitation, sponges should be replaced after                 repeated use.             -   4) Both of the aforementioned methods of cleaning a sink                 are time consuming.

SUMMARY

The Shaving Tray is comprised of a plastic sheet that is manufactured to fold for easy storage. The Shaving Tray covers a sink preventing hair clippings from entering into the sink while using an electric razor, beard trimmer, or clipper. Hair clippings fall on the tray. Hair clippings that fall on the tray or on the surrounding counter top are swept and discarded into a dust pan or trash container.

DRAWINGS

FIG. 1—Shaving Tray—Unfolded

FIG. 2—Shaving Tray—Folded on small hinges.

FIG. 3—Shaving Tray—Folded on large and small hinges.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Preferred Embodiment

The Shaving Tray is a made of plastic sheet with hinges. The hinges are recesses manufactured into the sheet. The hinges' thinner material thickness allows the tray to fold for easy storage. The Shaving Tray is also manufactured to have a rough surface on the opposite side of hinge that allow debris to be easily swept into another receptacle for disposal.

Operation—FIGS. 1-3

The Shaving Tray is used to cover the sink, preventing hair clippings from entering into the sink while the user shaves with an electric razor or beard trimmer. The shaving tray is placed over a sink with the rough side facing up towards the user. Hair shavings fall on the Shaving Tray and are swept into a dust pan or trash can. To store the Shaving Tray the user would fold the Shaving Tray along the small hinge (FIG. 2), and then along the large hinge (FIG. 3).

Conclusion, Ramifications and Scope

The reader will see that the Shaving Tray will prevent hair clippings resulting from shaving with an electric razor, use of a beard trimmer, use of scissors, or cutting hair using manual or electric clippers or other small foreign objects from entering a sink, while also providing a quick and inexpensive way of disposing of the trash. The Shaving Tray is lightweight, portable, and able to fit conveniently on a counter top, in luggage for travel, or in a cabinet for storage.

While my above description contains many specificities these should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but rather as an exemplification of one preferred embodiment thereof. Many other variations are possible. For example:

-   -   The size of the Shaving Tray may be increased or decreased to         accommodate the various sizes or sinks and storage cabinets.     -   Any non-hazardous material could be used to fabricate the parts         necessary to build a Shaving Tray.     -   Any combination of non-hazardous materials could be used to         fabricate the parts necessary to build a Shaving Tray.     -   Aesthetic appearances could include any color or any logo or         design printed on the surface of the Shaving Tray.     -   The shape of the Shaving Tray can vary to accommodate different         applications or styles. The Shaving Tray can be made round or         other shapes.     -   The Large and Small hinges may vary in width and length and may         be equal in size.     -   The Shaving Tray can be made with out hinges and rolled into a         tube.     -   After folding the Shaving Tray may also have velcro or straps         that help secure the Shaving Tray in a folded position.

Accordingly, the scope of the invention should be determined not be the embodiments illustrated but by the appended claims and their legal equivalents. 

1. A portable instrument for waste collection and disposal comprising: a. sheet of composite or homogeneous material that covers a sink preventing falling debris from entering said sink b. recess or multiple recesses manufactured into said sheet to allow said sheet to fold for ease of storage and portability. 